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aguabonita Samba Member
Joined: November 27, 2005 Posts: 267 Location: Monterey, CA
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Posted: Fri May 12, 2006 11:28 am Post subject: StopLeak probs/issues |
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Sorry for heisting almost heisting one of the previous posts.
My dealio is this. Minor leaking of heads observed a couple of months ago. Was topping off the backup reservoir a little (a couple of ounces) once a week. I added one can of StopLeak about two weeks ago (against the better judgement of one of my friends dangit). That was about 200 miles ago.
I wondering if I can flush the radiator and coolant system (prob. needs to be done anyway) and get that StopLeak crappola out of there before it works my other components?
Or should I just take a chill pill and wait for things to suss themselves out? Maybe get a new radiator when this one blows (though I would hate to be in the boonies and have that happen).
I'm more into preventative maintenance but I'm still a newbie to all of this sooo...any advice appreciated.
Danka
Kev _________________ '87 Westfalia, GW 2.2, and some other goodies
'90 Volvo 245 |
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wbx Samba Member
Joined: April 11, 2005 Posts: 1254 Location: Monterey, CA
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Posted: Fri May 12, 2006 11:35 am Post subject: Re: StopLeak probs/issues |
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hwy1westy wrote: |
I wondering if I can flush the radiator and coolant system (prob. needs to be done anyway) and get that StopLeak crappola out of there before it works my other components? |
What do you think it has done to your system? While i would never use the stuff, i've heard of people successfully getting results from it. Not many, but some. It isn't too hard to drain and flush your cooling system, you just end up with a LOT of coolant to dispose of. If you are tight on cash, run what ya brung, but if you can afford new head gaskets, etc., and can wait a couple months, I'll help you pull things apart and fix it the "right way" (not that i am a pro, or anything ).
-Damon _________________ '84 Westy (first owner).......but my daily driver has pedals
My "perspective" mantra:
A Volkswagen Vanagon is just a material thing,
As such, it is of the earth,
And if i need to, I can let my Van go. |
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aguabonita Samba Member
Joined: November 27, 2005 Posts: 267 Location: Monterey, CA
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Posted: Fri May 12, 2006 11:43 am Post subject: |
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WBX -
That's awefully nice of you. I was thinking of fixing them or doing an engine conversion later in the year so that may work out.
Money is, of course, an issue but I do want piece of mind as well.
Kev _________________ '87 Westfalia, GW 2.2, and some other goodies
'90 Volvo 245 |
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r39o Samba Polizei
Joined: May 18, 2005 Posts: 9800 Location: San Diego
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Posted: Fri May 12, 2006 12:10 pm Post subject: |
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Just don't put any more in. I understand it is the BarsLeak that really does a number. But, I can not swear to it. I have read about the Suburu stuff that is a (aluminum?) powder. But, gee, it is a tough one to say much about. Flushing it would not hurt, per se. I just can not say whether it would be effective or not. _________________ "Use the SEARCH, Luke" But first visit the Vanagon FAQ!
1990 Multivan EJ 22, Rancho trans 0.82 4th, Small Car front AC, CLKs w/ 215/65-16, homemade big brakes 303mm, Konis, Recaros, etc....
Click to see my ads for Cup holders, Subaru clutch fix and CLK wheels (no wheels currently) |
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joetiger Samba Member
Joined: January 27, 2005 Posts: 5062 Location: denver
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Posted: Fri May 12, 2006 1:17 pm Post subject: |
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During the last miserable, leaking months of my 1.9 waterleaker existence, I put some Stop leak, aluminum flake stuff, in my system to buy some time.
I ended up buying a new radiator. It plugged the leak for about three weeks. Oh, and I had to get a new overflow tank because the stuff was bonded to the bottom of it.
Flush that radiator. And if you're thinking of putting a Subie motor in, buy a new radiator. Good insurance.
Joe T.
'85 Wolfsburg Westy Subaru 2.2
www.josephtrussell.com/Vanagon.html |
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weinerwagen Samba Member
Joined: May 10, 2004 Posts: 1548 Location: Monterey, CA -Laguna Seca--Coats, Kansas
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Posted: Fri May 12, 2006 1:34 pm Post subject: |
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GEX uses that stuff to glue the heads on.... _________________ Retired attorney--Tort King. |
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